Advocacy pays off in Polk County

From Tim Trotter, executive director

I have good news.

After push-back from DBA, farmers and some other groups, a resolution geared against CAFOs in Polk County has been pulled from consideration.

DBA and our sister organization, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, helped rally farmers in that area and we told the county in a letter on Friday that officials were taking the wrong approach if they wanted to maintain a productive relationship with farmers and effectively address any environmental concerns.

This is an example of grassroots advocacy that makes a difference. DBA came together with other dedicated partners to oppose a potentially harmful measure, and farmers got active by contacting local officials.

As we said in our letter, “These farms and families are not the enemy. Instead, it makes more sense for the county to work with its farms on shared goals.” That approach is creating positive results for local governments and farmers in other parts of the state, and DBA will continue to help build those connections.

However, in the meantime, we know there will be other attempts — maybe even in Polk County — to run roughshod over livestock farmers. So, please keep your eyes and ears open and let us know if something pops up. DBA will be doing the same.

Standing up for farmers, and for sensible approaches to regulations, is as critically important as ever before. DBA will do so — every time.